Aberdeen man scoops top grassroots award

Tuesday 2 October 2012

John Peterson from Aberdeen is celebrating after walking away with a top honour at the ninth Scottish FA Grassroots Awards, presented by McDonald’s and the Sunday Mail.

John was named Best Volunteer in Schools Football at the awards ceremony held at Hampden Park on the 27th September. The awards celebrated the efforts of the tireless volunteers who give their valuable time and effort to provide footballing opportunities in communities across Scotland.

John Peterson is the head coach at Mintlaw Academy. Since joining the school he has developed a squad of coaches who have built up a great reputation for introducing kids to football in a safe and fun environment.

Players feed off his enthusiasm for the game and Mintlaw’s record at producing top class players is second to none. John’s dedication to the school and as Secretary of Aberdeenshire Schools FA, allows children to shine at grassroots level and develop into talented, enthusiastic players.

Scottish legend and McDonald’s Head of Scottish Football, Kenny Dalglish, praised John for his commitment to grassroots football in Scotland: “Football in communities is built on the dedication of people like John. Without the hard work and dedication of all the grassroots volunteers like John Scottish football simply wouldn’t exist. What John has accomplished over the past year to help develop football in the community is truly worthy of the recognition he received at the awards ceremony.

John added: “It is fantastic to have received the award and I feel extremely proud to do so. There are so many wonderful people involved in grassroots football in Scotland, so it’s a great feeling to have been recognised in this way and to have received my award from a legend of the game in Kenny Dalglish and Scotland Manager Craig Levein.”

Dalglish added: “As a long-term supporter of football in Scottish communities, McDonald’s is proud to champion those that give up so much of their time, providing young footballers the opportunity to shine in a fun and friendly environment.”

The ninth Scottish FA Grassroots Awards, presented by McDonald’s and the Sunday Mail were held at Hampden Park on 27th September 2012. The awards cover ten categories including Best Volunteer in Youth Football, Best Community Football Club and McDonald’s Franchisee Community Champion Award.

Over the last 10 years McDonald’s has been committed to raising the standards of grassroots football, working alongside the Scottish FA. McDonald’s now support over 4,500 grassroots clubs, have created over 2,000 new community coaches and have seen the launch of 1,800 new football teams. By 2014 McDonald’s will work with the Scottish FA to encourage the participation of 13,000 new volunteers and 10,000 new coaches in grassroots football across Scotland.